Interaction of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB) and internal standard in irradiated chicken jerkies and pig ears in solid-phase microextraction (SPME)-coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

The radiolysis of palmitic acid in chicken jerky (CJ) and pig ears (PE) can form 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB). A solid-phase micro extraction-coupled GC-MS technique can be used for quantitative analysis of 2-DCB with the adequate use of an internal standard (IS). The objectives of this study are to: 1) investigate the IS and 2-DCB interactions as a function of IS concentration and irradiation dose; 2) elucidate the effects of bound 2-DCB; 3) use electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to complement 2-DCB measurements. The measurement of 2-DCB formed by irradiation was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the palmitic acid content and IS concentration. The amount of 2-DCB measured in irradiated (10 kGy) CJ and PE increased 70% and 300%, respectively, when the IS concentration increased from 8 to 800 ppb. Our findings serve as a guide for the adequate use of IS for quantitative analysis of 2-DCB formed in irradiated meat matrixes.

Determination and Confirmation of the Antiviral Drug Amantadine and Its Analogues in Chicken Jerky Pet Treats.

In this study, we investigated two methods for the detection of antiviral compounds in chicken jerky pet treats. Initially, a screening method developed to detect many different chemical contaminants indicated the presence of amantadine, 1, in some pet treats analyzed. A second antiviral-specific method was then developed for amantadine and its analogues, rimantadine, 2, and memantine, 3. Both methods used an acidic water/acetonitrile extraction. The antiviral-specific method also included a dispersive sorbent cleanup. Analytes were detected and identified by LC-MS (ion trap and Orbitrap) instruments. The antiviral-specific method was validated by analyzing matrix blanks and fortified samples (2.5-50 µg/kg levels). Average recoveries for amantadine (using a deuterated internal standard) in fortified samples ranged from 76 to 123% with relative standard deviations of ≤12%. Amantadine was detected and identified in suspect chicken jerky pet treat samples at levels ranging from <2.5 µg/kg to over 600 µg/kg. Rimantadine and memantine were not detected in any samples.

Effects of Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat (MDCM) and Collagen on the Quality Characteristics of Semi-dried Chicken Jerky.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of using mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) and collagen on quality characteristics of semi-dried chicken jerky. In experiment I, semi-dried chicken jerky was prepared with the replacement of chicken breast with MDCM (0, 10, 20, and 30%). The pH value of the jerky formulated with only chicken breast was 5.94, while the replacement of chicken breast with MDCM significantly increased the pH (p<0.05). The protein content and shear force of the jerkies decreased with increasing amounts of MDCM, whereas the fat, ash content and processing yield showed the opposite tendency (p<0.05). Replacement with up to 10% MDCM had no adverse effects on the sensory characteristics of the semi-dried chicken jerky. In experiment II, four levels of pork collagen (0, 1, 2, and 3%) were added to the semi-dried chicken jerky formulated with 90% chicken breast and 10% MDCM. The addition of collagen increased the moisture content, but decreased the ash content of the jerkies produced (p<0.05). The processing yield of the jerkies increased with increasing added amounts of collagen (p<0.05). It was found that the jerkies formulated with 0-2% collagen had significantly higher overall acceptance score than those prepared with 3% collagen (p<0.05). In conclusion, MDCM and collagen could be useful ingredients to reduce the production cost and improve the processing yield of semi-dried chicken jerky. The optimal levels of MDCM and collagen which could be added without adverse effects on the sensory characteristics were up to 10% and 2%, respectively.

Acquired proximal renal tubulopathy in dogs exposed to a common dried chicken treat: retrospective study of 108 cases (2007-2009).

BACKGROUND: Proximal renal tubulopathy was reported in Australian dogs with markedly increased frequency from September 2007. METHODS: Two veterinarian-completed surveys were launched in response to an increased incidence of acquired proximal renal tubulopathy in dogs. The selection criterion for inclusion was glucosuria with blood glucose < 10 mmol/L. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, history of feeding treats, results of urinalysis and blood tests, treatment and time to resolution of clinical signs. RESULTS: A total of 108 affected dogs were studied. All had been fed the same brand of dried chicken treats, made in China, for a median of 12 weeks (range, 0.3-78 weeks). Small breeds (< 10 kg) accounted for 88% of cases. Common presenting signs included polyuria/polydipsia (76%), lethargy (73%), inappetence (65%) and vomiting (54%). Common biochemical findings included euglycaemia (74%; 71/96), hypoglycaemia (23%; 22/96), acidosis (77%; 20/26), hypokalaemia (45%; 38/84), hypophosphataemia (37%; 28/75) and azotaemia (27%; 23/85). In addition to discontinuation of treats, 64 dogs received medical treatment, including intravenous fluids (52%) and oral electrolyte, amino acid or vitamin supplements. Six dogs died or were euthanased. Two dogs were necropsied. Histopathological findings consisted of proximal tubular necrosis accompanied by regeneration. Time to resolution of clinical signs in 35 survivors available for follow-up was < 2 weeks (n = 8), 2-4 weeks (n = 2), 5-7 weeks (n = 5) and 2-6 months (n = 10). CONCLUSION: Of the 108 dogs with acquired proximal renal tubulopathy contemporaneous with chicken treat consumption, most survived but many required aggressive supportive care. The treats likely contained a toxin targeting the proximal renal tubules. Diet history and urinalysis were vital for diagnosis.